Autoimmune rheumatic diseases in women.

OBJECTIVE

To review the presenting symptoms, possible complications, treatment options, and reproductive considerations for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

DATA SOURCES

Articles retrieved from MEDLINE and OVID using the search terms women and female in combination with autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren's syndrome. References identified from citations in these articles were also reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are more common in women than in men and are most likely to manifest during the reproductive years. The reasons for this incidence pattern remain unclear but appear to be related to sex hormones and microchimerism. These diseases have varied clinical presentations that may be local or systemic and range from mild to severe. There is no cure for these autoimmune rheumatic diseases; treatments focus on managing symptoms. Many of the agents used for treating these diseases are contraindicated in pregnancy, posing special considerations for women who develop these diseases during their childbearing years.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the presenting symptoms of, treatment options for, and reproductive considerations with these diseases is important for pharmacists who counsel women with them.